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On La Guaira’s beaches, Venezuela quake survivors improvise showers and toilets amid water shortages

On La Guaira’s beaches, Venezuela quake survivors improvise showers and toilets amid water shortages

Summary

Thousands of people in La Guaira, Venezuela, are struggling to get clean water and proper toilets after earthquakes damaged many buildings and water tanks. Relief groups, including the U.S., are providing food, water, and hygiene supplies to help those living in temporary shelters or outside.

Key Facts

  • Strong earthquakes hit Venezuela on June 24, causing 3,685 deaths.
  • About 190 buildings collapsed, and 856 were damaged in the affected area.
  • Many families lost their water storage tanks, making it hard to get water.
  • Some communities had water service only once a month or less even before the earthquakes.
  • People are using beaches for showers and toilets due to lack of facilities.
  • The U.S. is sending humanitarian aid with food, water, and hygiene kits.
  • Relief workers distributed aid boxes near the beach in Maiquetía, home to the country’s main airport.
  • Humanitarian groups say better living conditions are needed to stop disease from spreading.
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Takeaways: Trump leaves NATO summit declaring ‘a lot of love’ with allies after a rocky start

Takeaways: Trump leaves NATO summit declaring ‘a lot of love’ with allies after a rocky start

Summary

At the NATO summit in Ankara, President Donald Trump and the other leaders renewed their commitment to defend each other if attacked, despite previous tensions. Trump described the summit as a success and highlighted unity among the allies.

Key Facts

  • The NATO summit took place in Ankara, Turkey, on July 7-8, 2026.
  • Leaders confirmed their commitment to Article 5, meaning an attack on one ally is an attack on all.
  • President Trump said there was “a lot of love” and unity among the leaders during the summit.
  • NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said allies welcomed President Trump’s leadership.
  • Trump authorized U.S. military strikes on Iran shortly after the summit dinner.
  • Rutte did not rule out a future NATO role in the conflict with Iran, although Iran is outside NATO territory.
  • The U.S. will license its Patriot air defense system technology to allies.
  • The summit saw discussions about defense and cooperation amid some past disagreements, including Trump’s interest in Greenland.
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DOGE shuts down after controversial run with Elon Musk

DOGE shuts down after controversial run with Elon Musk

Summary

DOGE, a government agency previously led by Elon Musk, is closing down after ending many public contracts and laying off numerous federal workers. The agency had a controversial period under Musk’s leadership.

Key Facts

  • DOGE was a government agency.
  • Elon Musk once led DOGE.
  • The agency canceled billions of dollars in public contracts.
  • Many federal employees lost their jobs due to DOGE’s actions.
  • DOGE is now shutting down.
  • The closure follows a controversial time under Musk’s management.
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Former Wisconsin judge spared prison for ushering Mexican immigrant away from ICE agents

Former Wisconsin judge spared prison for ushering Mexican immigrant away from ICE agents

Summary

Former Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan was fined $5,000 instead of being sent to prison after she helped a Mexican immigrant avoid U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents by escorting them out of her courtroom. She was convicted of felony obstruction but avoided jail due to her mostly good record.

Key Facts

  • Hannah Dugan is a former Wisconsin judge who resigned in January after facing impeachment threats.
  • She was convicted in December of felony obstruction for helping a Mexican immigrant evade ICE agents.
  • A federal judge fined her $5,000 and did not give her prison time.
  • Dugan had been a Milwaukee County circuit judge for nine years.
  • Her lawyers said the Trump administration targeted her to make judges cooperate with ICE’s immigrant enforcement.
  • Republican lawmakers called her an "activist judge" and pushed for her impeachment.
  • Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany, a Trump supporter, publicly demanded she be jailed after her conviction.
  • Dugan said her prosecution threatened the independence of the judiciary.
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Baby Rose Is Turning Yearning Into a Living Archive

Baby Rose Is Turning Yearning Into a Living Archive

Summary

Baby Rose, a singer and songwriter from Washington, D.C., grew up surrounded by music from her family. Her latest album, YEARNALISM, explores themes of desire and emotion through songs inspired by her own experiences and group listening sessions.

Key Facts

  • Baby Rose was raised in a musical family with influences from funk, soul, and hip-hop.
  • She received her first piano at age 9, which became a key part of her music and personal comfort.
  • Early in her career, she worked with hip-hop sampling and appreciated imperfections in sounds.
  • She won her first Grammy for work on Leon Thomas’s album MUTT.
  • Her album YEARNALISM focuses on feelings like forgiveness, conflict, and yearning.
  • YEARNALISM was influenced by listening groups called Yearners Anonymous, which are like group therapy sessions.
  • Baby Rose aims to preserve music as a way to keep memories and traditions alive.
  • She believes that yearning is a natural part of being alive and an important theme in her music.
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Maine Democratic Party accuses Platner team of interfering with process to pick his replacement

Maine Democratic Party accuses Platner team of interfering with process to pick his replacement

Summary

The Maine Democratic Party says the team of Senate candidate Graham Platner is trying to interfere with choosing a new candidate if Platner quits. Pressure is growing on Platner to end his campaign after a former girlfriend accused him of sexual assault.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner is running for the Maine Senate.
  • A former girlfriend has accused Platner of sexual assault.
  • There is pressure on Platner to stop his campaign because of this accusation.
  • The Maine Democratic Party is concerned about the fairness of the process to pick a replacement candidate.
  • The party accuses Platner’s team of trying to influence or interfere with that replacement process.
  • The situation is currently making news and causing political tension in Maine.
  • CBS News reported on this story and shared updates.
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Can NATO survive Trump's changes of heart?

Can NATO survive Trump's changes of heart?

Summary

President Donald Trump has recently taken actions and made statements that challenge the unity and strength of NATO, including threats to withdraw U.S. troops from Europe and criticisms of NATO members. These developments raise concerns about the alliance’s ability to respond effectively to threats from Russia and maintain strong defense cooperation among its members.

Key Facts

  • President Trump threatened to pull all U.S. troops out of Europe.
  • He criticized NATO for not supporting his approach toward Iran.
  • At the G7 Summit in France, other leaders were relieved Trump did not disrupt the meeting.
  • The situation creates uncertainty about how quickly NATO allies can strengthen defenses against Russian missile threats targeting Ukraine.
  • There are concerns that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin may test the resolve of European countries on NATO’s frontline.
  • Trump reportedly considered not attending the NATO summit held in Ankara but came due to the invitation by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
  • The alliance faces internal strain from these actions and statements by the U.S. President.
  • Experts and former diplomats from France, Turkey, and international political analysts have discussed these challenges.
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Aussie gov't tells volunteers to throw out thousands of functioning test routers

Aussie gov't tells volunteers to throw out thousands of functioning test routers

Summary

The Australian government’s broadband testing program, run by the ACCC and using SamKnows routers, ended on June 30, 2026. After the program finished, thousands of these routers were disabled, even though many still work and could be reused.

Key Facts

  • The Measuring Broadband Australia (MBA) program started in 2020 to test internet speeds using SamKnows routers given to volunteers.
  • The program focused on fixed-line broadband services over Australia’s NBN network and other access networks.
  • After June 30, 2026, the routers were “bricked,” meaning they were disabled and stopped collecting data.
  • Volunteers were told their accounts would be closed and their data deleted after the program ended.
  • Some volunteers pointed out the routers still function and can be reused by installing open-source software called OpenWRT.
  • Reusing the routers could prevent unnecessary electronic waste, but the government encouraged volunteers to dispose of the devices responsibly instead.
  • About 4,000 routers were expected to be distributed during the program, with over 2,600 given out by late 2020.
  • A similar program in the US distributed 9,000 routers in 2011, but it is unknown what happened to those devices afterward.
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15 recent food, product recalls that may impact you

15 recent food, product recalls that may impact you

Summary

This article lists 15 recent recalls of food and products that could affect consumers. It highlights safety concerns that led companies to remove these items from sale.

Key Facts

  • There have been 15 recent recalls of food and other products.
  • The recalls occurred over the summer.
  • The recalled items may pose safety risks to consumers.
  • Companies pulled these items from stores or issued warnings.
  • Consumers should check the recall lists to see if they have any affected products.
  • Recalls help protect people from unsafe or contaminated items.
  • Information about specific recalled products can help prevent harm.
  • Staying informed about recalls can guide safer shopping choices.
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Appeals court denies Trump's request to halt removal of his name from Kennedy Center

Appeals court denies Trump's request to halt removal of his name from Kennedy Center

Summary

A U.S. appeals court refused President Donald Trump's request to stop the removal of his name from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The court noted that Trump's name had already been taken off the building and found no strong reason to delay the removal.

Key Facts

  • The appeals court rejected President Trump's and the Kennedy Center board's request to pause a lower court's order to remove Trump's name.
  • Trump's name was removed from the Kennedy Center facade following a federal judge’s order in May.
  • The judge ruled that the board's vote to rename the center the "Trump-Kennedy Center" was invalid.
  • The board also tried to close the center for renovations, but the judge voided that decision too.
  • The judges said the board did not provide specific evidence to show financial harm from removing Trump's name.
  • The Kennedy Center leadership must update the judge on future plans after a board meeting in mid-July.
  • A judge named Christopher Cooper handled the case at the district court level.
  • The appeals court included a judge appointed by President Trump, Gregory Katsas.
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TikTok users don't have as much agency over their FYPs as they think

TikTok users don't have as much agency over their FYPs as they think

Summary

Researchers from Northwestern University studied how TikTok’s For You Page (FYP) algorithm reacts to user feedback. They found that while users can reduce unwanted videos by marking them "not interested," the effect usually fades unless users keep providing the same feedback repeatedly.

Key Facts

  • TikTok’s FYP uses an algorithm that looks at how long users watch videos and if they like or follow content creators.
  • Some users feel their negative feedback, like clicking "not interested," does not stop certain videos from appearing.
  • Northwestern researchers created 90 bot accounts to test how the TikTok algorithm responds to different signals.
  • Their tests focused on three video types: cooking, fitness, and sports betting.
  • Using the "not interested" button reduced unwanted videos by about 84%, but skipping videos only lowered them by 48%.
  • The "not interested" button is not always easy for users to find.
  • The algorithm often returns to showing unwanted videos after a short time, especially if the user briefly interacts with that content again.
  • The research shows TikTok’s algorithm needs constant, repeated negative feedback to keep unwanted videos off a user’s feed.
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Details on the situation in Iran as Trump threatens more strikes

Details on the situation in Iran as Trump threatens more strikes

Summary

President Donald Trump has warned of more military strikes against Iran, stating that a ceasefire has ended. A retired U.S. Navy vice admiral discussed the situation on CBS News.

Key Facts

  • President Trump says the ceasefire with Iran is over.
  • He threatens additional military strikes against Iran.
  • Robert B. Murrett, a retired U.S. Navy vice admiral, provides analysis on the situation.
  • The information was shared on CBS News.
  • The focus is on escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
  • No details about the location or timing of the strikes were given.
  • The situation involves U.S. military and foreign policy decisions.
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At last: Washington listened to Main Street’s cosmetology and barber schools

At last: Washington listened to Main Street’s cosmetology and barber schools

Summary

The U.S. Department of Education gave barbering, cosmetology, and massage therapy programs extra time to meet a new rule about tracking student success. The department acknowledged these jobs earn tips and want better ways to measure how graduates earn money.

Key Facts

  • The Department of Education set a new rule to check programs’ accountability.
  • Barbering, cosmetology, and massage therapy schools asked for more time to follow this rule.
  • These jobs often pay through tips, which affects income measurement.
  • The department agreed to give them more time to comply.
  • This change aims to better reflect the true earnings of program graduates.
  • The focus is on fairness in judging how well these programs prepare students for their careers.
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France returns Syrian artefacts it’s held since civil war

France returns Syrian artefacts it’s held since civil war

Summary

France has sent back 23 ancient Syrian artefacts that it kept since the civil war started in 2011. These items, which date from very old times to the Abbasid era, were returned to the National Museum in Damascus after French President Emmanuel Macron visited Syria.

Key Facts

  • France held onto 23 Syrian artefacts since 2011.
  • The artefacts cover a wide time period, from prehistoric times to the Abbasid era.
  • The items were returned following a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron.
  • The artefacts were given back to the National Museum in Damascus.
  • The return marks a step in restoring Syria’s cultural heritage after the war.
  • The Syrian civil war began in 2011, which led to the artefacts being held by France.
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Judge orders Trump to pay E. Jean Carroll $5 million judgment

Judge orders Trump to pay E. Jean Carroll $5 million judgment

Summary

A judge in New York ordered President Donald Trump to pay E. Jean Carroll $5 million plus interest after a jury found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation. The Supreme Court recently refused to hear Trump's appeal on this case, while another jury awarded Carroll $83 million in a related case that is still under appeal.

Key Facts

  • A New York federal judge ordered President Trump to pay E. Jean Carroll $5 million plus about $800,000 in interest.
  • A jury found President Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll.
  • The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Trump's appeal of the case last month.
  • In a related case, another jury awarded Carroll $83 million in damages, but it is still being appealed.
  • The judge overseeing the payment order is Lewis Kaplan.
  • The court order came while President Trump was attending the NATO summit in Ankara.
  • The cases stem from accusations made by E. Jean Carroll against President Trump.
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Filed your FAFSA? Here are 3 other ways student loan borrowers can get help for fall 2026

Filed your FAFSA? Here are 3 other ways student loan borrowers can get help for fall 2026

Summary

Submitting the FAFSA is the first step to getting help with college costs, but it may not cover all expenses. Students can appeal their financial aid decisions, consider private loans carefully, and apply for scholarships year-round to help pay for school in fall 2026.

Key Facts

  • FAFSA is the application used to get federal financial aid for college.
  • After receiving financial aid offers, students often find gaps between aid and actual costs.
  • Students can appeal their financial aid package if their financial situation changes or if the aid does not cover their needs.
  • Private student loans are an option if federal aid is not enough, but they have different terms and fewer protections.
  • When choosing private loans, it is important to compare interest rates, repayment plans, and borrower protections.
  • Scholarships can be applied for throughout the year, not just before college starts.
  • Schools may adjust financial aid awards based on significant changes like job loss, medical expenses, or family changes.
  • Students should borrow only what they need and try to maximize federal aid before using private loans.
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Ex-US judge spared from prison for helping migrant evade federal agents

Ex-US judge spared from prison for helping migrant evade federal agents

Summary

A former Milwaukee County judge, Hannah Dugan, was sentenced to pay a $5,000 fine but will not go to prison for helping a Mexican immigrant avoid federal agents. Dugan was convicted of obstruction last year after escorting the immigrant out of her courtroom through a side door, but the judge decided jail time was unnecessary.

Key Facts

  • Hannah Dugan, a former judge, was found guilty of obstructing a criminal proceeding in December 2025.
  • She helped Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national facing battery charges, leave the courthouse through a private exit to avoid arrest by federal agents.
  • Dugan resigned after her arrest in April 2025 as efforts to impeach her began in Wisconsin.
  • She was fined $5,000 but will not serve prison time.
  • Her lawyers plan to appeal the conviction.
  • The arrest was seen as a success for the Trump administration and supporters concerned about politicized justice.
  • Flores-Ruiz was eventually caught by immigration agents and deported.
  • Dugan said she acted without malicious intent and was trying to do her job as a public servant.
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Son demands independent probe after father shot and killed by ICE officer in Houston

Son demands independent probe after father shot and killed by ICE officer in Houston

Summary

A Mexican man named Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Houston while driving to a work site. His family and a Texas congresswoman say he had no criminal record and was seeking legal status in the U.S. Federal officials say Salgado tried to ram an officer’s vehicle and ignored commands, leading to the shooting.

Key Facts

  • Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was a Mexican national living in the U.S. for decades without criminal convictions.
  • He worked in homebuilding and supported three American citizen sons through college.
  • He was shot in Houston’s Magnolia Park neighborhood on July 7, 2026, during an ICE enforcement operation.
  • Federal officials claim Salgado rammed an ICE vehicle and ignored commands before the officer shot him in self-defense.
  • Salgado was shot in the abdomen and died at the hospital.
  • His family says he was working toward getting legal status in the U.S. after years of neglecting it.
  • Three other men who were with Salgado were detained, but their whereabouts are currently unknown.
  • Civil rights groups and Democratic officials are calling for federal authorities to release video and other evidence of the shooting.
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Mississippi residents in DeSoto County file lawsuit over majority-Black judicial subdistrict

Mississippi residents in DeSoto County file lawsuit over majority-Black judicial subdistrict

Summary

Several residents of DeSoto County, Mississippi, including a county supervisor and former Republican gubernatorial candidate, have filed a federal lawsuit. They argue that the state’s creation of majority-Black judicial subdistricts violates the Voting Rights Act by limiting the voting power of most DeSoto County residents based on race.

Key Facts

  • The lawsuit challenges legislative decisions that created majority-Black subdistricts for electing judges in DeSoto County.
  • An additional judge was added for the Circuit Court and Chancery Court, each elected from majority-Black subdistricts.
  • Plaintiffs claim this system discriminates against about three-fourths of DeSoto County voters by race.
  • The lawsuit names the State Board of Election Commissioners, including the Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General, as defendants.
  • The creation of judicial subdistricts started in the late 1980s and early 1990s to help Black voters elect judges of their choice.
  • The current lawsuit is pending before U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock, who previously ruled on a related Voting Rights Act case in Mississippi.
  • State Senator Mike McLendon supports the lawsuit, saying DeSoto County was unfairly targeted by the law.
  • The legislative changes in 2025 aimed to reflect population changes and court caseloads while enabling majority-Black subdistricts.
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The Trump administration is ramping up pressure on states to change election practices

The Trump administration is ramping up pressure on states to change election practices

Summary

President Donald Trump’s administration is pressuring states to change voting rules by threatening to withhold federal money and warning election officials they could face criminal charges for not removing noncitizens from voter lists. The Department of Justice sent letters to all states asking how they will comply with election laws, while a federal grant program links some funding to new election-related requirements.

Key Facts

  • The Trump administration threatens to withhold some federal funding from states that do not change voting practices.
  • The Department of Justice warned state election officials that they could be prosecuted if noncitizens remain on voter rolls or vote.
  • Letters were sent to election officials in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., asking for compliance plans within five days.
  • The administration’s actions come before the 2026 midterm elections, where Democrats aim to gain control of Congress.
  • Courts have mostly rejected previous efforts by the administration based on claims of widespread voting fraud.
  • FEMA’s antiterrorism grant program, worth over $1 billion, includes election-related rules and may withhold 20% of funds until states comply.
  • Experts said the DOJ letters mostly restate existing laws and many states may ignore the requests.
  • The administration’s measures mix concerns over election security with efforts to influence state and local election rules.
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